Expertise

Bentley & Skinner have a wealth of knowledge and experience gained over many decades in the jewellery industry. Our staff has numerous qualifications between them, including three FGA Diplomas in Gemmology and six DGA Diamond Grading Diplomas from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. We also hold two PJValDip valuation diplomas and three PJDip Professional Jeweller Diplomas from the National Association of Goldsmiths are members of the Institute of Registered Valuers.

In addition to buying and selling jewellery, we also offer a comprehensive range of services including repairs, valuations and jewellery hire and always seek to offer the fullest advice and best care possible. Our exceptional reputation is your guarantee of first class attention and is a mark of the personal approach we take with each and every customer.

Bespoke We have a highly qualified team of specialists who are able to offer advice on both the re-mounting of your own jewellery as well as the design and creation of completely unique and personal pieces. Whether you want to re-work an inherited jewel or design the engagement ring of your dreams, our friendly staff will talk you through every step of the process to ensure you are delighted with the result. We take on a wide range of projects from the simplest of pearl earrings through to Damien Hirst’s diamond skull, For the Love of God.

When making any piece of jewellery, we take very seriously the ethical sourcing of our diamonds which is why we only buy our diamonds from suppliers who can prove that their stones come from conflict free areas as stated in the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process (KP) is a joint governments, industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds – rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. The trade in these illicit stones has fuelled decades of devastating conflicts in countries such as Angola, Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) imposes extensive requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough diamonds as ‘conflict-free’. As of December 2009, the KP has 49 members, representing 75 countries, with the European Community and its Member States counting as an individual participant.

Signet rings To complement our selection of the finest gold and stone-set signet rings, we offer a comprehensive engraving service, from helping to trace a family crest through to commissioning an original Coat of Arms from the College of Arms. Signet rings are available in 9ct and 18ct gold at competitive prices in a choice of styles chosen to accommodate almost every shape and size of crest.

Engraving We are able to offer both hand and machine engraving of most items of jewellery and also silver items such as photograph fames or christening gifts.

Pearl Stringing We offer a re-stringing service for pearls and beads with prices starting at £100 + VAT for a single row of pearls. Pearl chokers which need to be fitted to the neck can be done so by making an appointment with us so that we can ensure our pearl stringer is available when you visit.

Qualifications awarded by the National Association of Goldsmiths PJDip: Professional Jewellers Diploma PJVal: Professional Jewellers Valuation Diploma PJGemDip : Professional Jewellers Gemstone Diploma FNAG: Fellow of the National Association of Goldsmiths

Bentley & Skinner are members and supporters of the following professional organisations.

LAPADA LAPADA, the Association of Art & Antiques Dealers began in 1974. Since then, its membership has grown to over 600 members making it the largest association of professional art and antiques dealers in the United Kingdom. Although the majority of its membership is UK based, LAPADA also currently has 50 members in 16 other countries. Membership is only open to those who meet the Association's requirements as to experience, quality of stock and knowledge of their subject.

BADA The British Antique Dealers' Association (BADA) is the trade association for the leading antique dealers in Britain. Since its foundation in 1918 BADA has set the standard for trading in the antiques business. Its main aim is to establish and maintain confidence between its members and the public, both in buying and selling. Members are elected to the association for their high business standards and expertise. BADA members pride themselves on their reputation for integrity, wide knowledge of their chosen field of specialisation and the high quality of their stock. It is for this reason that a member of the public can have confidence when buying from, or selling to, a member of the BADA.

Bentley & Skinner also seeks to promote the work of young artists such as Taline Temizian. www.talinetemizian.com

Mark Evans M.D. has been with the company for 39 years, becoming Managing Director in 1985. He is a connoisseur of antique jewellery with a specialist knowledge of Fabergé and gemstones.

Paul Greer DGA, FNAG, PJDip, PJGemDip has been the Manager since 1992, he has a great love of antique jewellery and was the project manager for the Damien Hirst diamond set skull 'For the Love of God'. He is a Freeman of the City of London and a Freeman of Goldsmiths Company.

Omar Vaja has been a Sales professional with the company since 1993. He has a passion for antique jewellery with a special interest in the Belle Époque era.

Arvin Shah BSc (Hons) is the Company Secretary and Financial Administrator of Bentley & Skinner. He joined the company in 1989 and is the longest serving member of staff.

Adrian Lawrence FIPG is the Workshop Manager and joined the company in 2012. With over 30 years’ experience in the trade he specialises in antique jewellery restoration and the diamond mounting of fine jewellery. He has worked for some of the leading West End jewellers and also teaches all aspects of goldsmithing. He is a member of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and a Freeman of the City of London.

Mikheil Kavtaradze, is a Goldsmith specialising in mounting and antique jewellery restoration, he joined Bentley & Skinner in 2003. He has a Diploma in Design and is a Master Jeweller.

Karen Avakov joined Bentley & Skinner in 2010. He is currently being trained in all aspects of jewellery making.